Image maintenance shield

ABSTRACT

A configurable shield and methods related to same by which the ambient light in conventionally illuminated venues can be largely prevented from falling onto or around a screen such that images displayed on the screen are generally not degraded in quality. The configurable shield includes shield components that are preferably of a durable, yet light weight construction such that the components can be easily transported, assembled, and moved into position for use, then disassembled by one or a few individuals. The shield components include a shielding element—of a composition and having a construction such that the shield is generally non-translucent to light—and a sizable positioning element that provides additional structure to the shielding element and allows it, and thereby the entire shield to be positioned in a wide variety of configurations as needed such that the shielding element can be positioned adjacent to or in contact with the screen so that ambient light can be generally blocked from falling onto the viewing surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to apparatus and methodsto prevent the alteration or degradation of images displayed on ascreen. More particularly, the invention relates to apparatus includingmaterial and of a construction by which the light overhead orsurrounding screens of various dimensions and positions can be largelyprevented from falling onto or around the screen thereby lessening thealteration or degradation of the displayed image. Advantageously, thepresent invention is useful in allowing such images to be viewed even invenues that remain conventionally illuminated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A variety of devices and systems are known for the development,production, or displaying images on a surface for their viewing. Onesuch system utilizes a projector to “throw” or project information fromslides, a length of film, tape, or another source onto a screen suchthat an image is visible thereon. The screen may be self supporting orwall mounted. Another system is generally more self-contained and doesnot require that the projector be spaced apart from the receiving screenas do embodiments of the previously described system in order to focusand size the image on the screen. An example of this other generallymore self-contained system is a television that receives information anddevelops an image of a general uniform size on a screen. The number ofpeople that can collectively view the image created by any of thesesystems is largely a function of the size of the image on the screen. Alarge screen can receive large projected images so that a large audiencemay view them simultaneously. Even large screen television monitorstypically produce a relatively smaller image that can be viewed only bya generally smaller audience simultaneously. In the following, the term“screen” will mean any surface on which an image is displayed forviewing including self-supporting and wall mounted opaque flat surfacesonto which images are projected such as from a projector and thesurfaces within, for example, monitors or television sets on which agenerally uniform sized image is generated for viewing and includeopposing upper and lower boundaries and side boundaries.

[0003] The contrast and clarity of the image produced on the screenoften depends on a variety of factors including the amount of lightstriking the viewing surface from sources that are overhead and to theside. For purposes of this application, light—whether from overhead,side, or other sources—that may, if unimpeded, strike the viewingsurface, will be termed “ambient light”. The greater the intensity ofthe ambient light, generally the less distinguishable and more “washedout” the image display is.

[0004] Some indoor venues—particularly new or refurbished buildings orrooms or halls—feature individual or group control systems by which theamount of ambient light such as from overhead sources can be adjustedindividually or as a group so that the amount of light being cast in orabout a screen can be reduced thereby preventing the degradation of thedisplayed image.

[0005] However, the larger number of indoor venues do not offer suchcontrols. Projector/screen combinations are typically set up in or atthese venues on an ad hoc basis for one or more presentations and thenremoved. To prevent the degradation of the displayed image, a large partor all of the interior space must be darkened.

[0006] Darkening a large part or all of an interior space in order thatan audience may view a projected image is generally not preferred formany reasons. Low or little light is hazardous to those attempting toenter the blackened room from a lighted area. To avoid stumbling andaccidents, those attempting to join the audience typically are forced toremain at or very near the entrance while their eyes adjust to the lowlight conditions. However, individuals remaining at or near the entranceprevent others from easily entering and others from departing the area.The darkened conditions can also create distractions such as to theaudience members and speaker. Each time someone opens a door to join ordepart from the audience, light streams into the darkened area from theexterior space thereby disrupting the audience or speaker and possiblyrequiring the individuals already in the darkened space to wait untiltheir eyes have readjusted to the previous low light conditions. Theblackened room also prevents the audience from taking notes or readinghandouts or even clearly seeing the speaker or props or models that thespeaker wishes to utilize during the presentation.

[0007] The blackened room may also prevent the speaker from deliveringthe presentation as intended or safely. When made available, somespeakers utilize a lectern to work from notes or prepared text either inhard copy form or projected onto what is intended to be an inconspicuousteleprompter surface. However, unless the lectern has a working readinglight, blackening the room so that the entire audience can see theprojected image prevents the speaker from working from the hard copynotes or text positioned on the lectern. Blackening the room preventsalso the teleprompter surface from remaining inconspicuous during thepresentation. Blackening the room would prevent other speakers thatfollow and are at a head table from taking notes since such tablestypically are not equipped with individual reading lights. The facilityalso may not be equipped with a lectern having a working reading lightor a teleprompter or the speaker may simply choose to remain seated atthe head table during the presentation. Blackening the room wouldprevent the speaker that utilize notes or prepared text from remainingin this position. Other speakers find it more effective to stand or walkabout the room to deliver the presentation and work from notes orprepared text. These same speakers may also choose to walk up to theviewing surface to emphasize a point by directing the audiencesattention to some aspect of the projected image. A blackened room wouldprevent the speaker from safely utilizing these presentation techniquesespecially because it is not uncommon for a room that is temporarily setup for a presentation to have a variety of wires and cables stretchedout in the very area in which the speaker must attempt to walk around.

[0008] The room in which the presentation is going to be made may be acourtroom. Blackening the room in order that the jury, the judge, theparties and counsel, and the audience may view the projected image maynot be desirable given the need to maintain the security in the room.

[0009] Other possible venues largely cannot be used to permit a largeaudience to view a conventionally displayed image during daylight hoursbecause the ambient light cannot be controlled. Typical of such venuesare outdoor sales events, fairs, parks, and zoos. Without the ability tocontrol the intensity of the overhead light selectively around theviewing surface, any conventionally displayed image is degraded inclarity.

[0010] A demand therefore exists for simplified apparatus and methods bywhich the amount of ambient light reaching the immediate area around andthe surface of a screen can be controlled simply, quickly, and even onan ad hoc or temporary basis both in indoor and in outdoor venues. Thepresent invention satisfies the demand.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The apparatus of the present invention is a configurable shield.The shield is of a simplified self-contained construction such that theshield can be quickly assembled and disassembled by even those withlittle training and generally without the need for expensive, heavy, orcomplicated tools. The shield components are preferably of a durable,yet light weight construction such that the components can be easilytransported, assembled, and moved into position for use, thendisassembled by one or a few individuals. The shield components may beformed from materials that are inexpensive and disposable or recyclable.The shield components include a shielding element—of a composition andhaving a construction such that the shield is generally non-translucentto light—and a sizable positioning element that provides additionalstructure to the shielding element and allows it, and thereby the entireshield to be positioned in a wide variety of configurations as neededsuch that the shielding element can be positioned adjacent to or incontact with the screen so that ambient light can be generally blockedfrom falling onto the viewing surface.

[0012] The shielding element of certain embodiments of the presentinvention is generally durable, yet flexible so that the shieldingelement may be folded, rolled, or compressed into a compact state tofacilitate the transportation of the element with other shieldcomponents and quickly opened in order to thereby assemble or deploy theshield. A flexible shielding element further advantageously allows theshield when assembled to be generally adjusted to facilitate the use ofthe shield adjacent to or in contact with screens and viewing surfacesof different sizes, configurations, and positions. A flexible shieldingelement further advantageously allows the area that is shielded, andthereby darkened to be adjusted to provide shielded areas of varyinghorizontal depth and vertical height.

[0013] The sizable configuring element of certain embodiments of thepresent invention include a sizable horizontal positioning element andsizable vertical positioning elements. Preferably, the sizablehorizontal positioning element and the sizable vertical positioningelements are of a durable, yet light weight construction such that theelements can be easily transported, easily assembled, adjusted, and fitwith the other components of the shield so that the shield even whenfully assembled can be moved and adjusted as needed.

[0014] Certain embodiments of the sizable vertical positioning elementsinclude vertically adjustable lengths such as telescoping lengths thatcan be quickly and easily be drawn out from or pushed back into andreleasably locked relative to each other and having a construction suchthat the shielding element and the sizable horizontal positioningelement can be at least partially supported and the vertical dimensionsof the shield to be defined thereby. Embodiments of the sizable verticalpositioning elements may include vertical element bases of varyingconfigurations to facilitate the assembly, positioning, adjustment,stablization, disassembly, and/or transport of the shield whendisassembled. One embodiment of the vertical element base is generallyfixed in dimension but includes means by which the base can be quicklyconnected to the vertical standard. Another embodiment of the verticalelement base includes a configurable construction such that thecomponents of the base can be adjusted according to the amount ofhorizontal space permitted for deployment of the base or that is neededto support the height or weight of the other shield components or tofurther adjust the vertical dimension of the sizable verticalpositioning element, and thereby the shield. Embodiments of the verticalelement base include components and are of a construction that permitthe base, and thereby the sizable vertical positioning element to bemoved horizontally such that the forward vertical edges of the shieldingmaterial supported by the vertical positioning element can be positionedin order to further adjust the horizontal depth of the shielded area.

[0015] It is, accordingly, a general object of the present invention toprovide apparatus and methods by which the amount of ambient light thatmay fall onto a viewing surface to be controlled in order to prevent theresultant degradation in clarity of the image displayed on the viewingsurface.

[0016] An additional object of the present invention is to provideapparatus that include adjustable components by which the amount ofambient light falling onto viewing surfaces of different sizes andconfigurations may be controlled.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide apparatusthat include adjustable components by which the amount of ambient lightfalling onto the area forward from the viewing surface may be controlledto lessen the likelihood that ambient light will fall onto the viewingsurface.

[0018] Also an object of the present invention is to provide apparatusincluding lightweight components so that the shield may be transported,assembled, positioned, and disassembled easily and without great cost oreffort.

[0019] A further object of the present invention is to provide apparatusincluding components that are of a simplified construction so that theshield may be assembled and disassembled quickly and by even one withlimited experience or training.

[0020] An added object of the present invention is to provide apparatusincluding flexible components such that the area darkened by the shieldcan be horizontally and vertically adjusted.

[0021] These and other objects, features, and advantages of theinvention will be clearly understood from and explained with referenceto the accompanying drawings and through a consideration of thepreferred embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022]FIG. 1 shows a partially exploded view of an embodiment of theimage maintenance shield according to the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 1A shows a side view of an embodiment of the shield;

[0024]FIG. 2 shows an overhead view of an embodiment of the shieldingelement;

[0025]FIG. 2A shows an overhead view of another embodiment of theshielding element;

[0026]FIG. 2B shows an embodiment of the image maintenance shieldincluding vertical elements that may be mounted to a wall or otherseparate support.

[0027]FIG. 3A shows a partially exploded perspective view of anembodiment of the sizable horizontal positioning element;

[0028]FIG. 3B shows a perspective cutaway view of a portion of theembodiment of the sizable horizontal positioning element shown in FIG.3A with a clip fastener positioned for insertion;

[0029]FIG. 3C shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the sizablehorizontal positioning element shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B;

[0030]FIG. 3D shows a partially exploded perspective view of anotherembodiment of the sizable horizontal positioning element;

[0031]FIG. 3E shows a perspective view of the partial connection of theelements of the embodiment of the sizable horizontal positioning elementshown in FIG. 3D;

[0032]FIG. 3F shows the inner structure of an embodiment of thehorizontal positioning elements;

[0033]FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a shaped connector;

[0034]FIG. 5 shows a rear view of an embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0035]FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of another vertical positioningelement;

[0036]FIG. 6B shows a partially exploded view of an embodiment of theimage maintenance shield with the embodiments of the verticalpositioning element shown in FIG. 6A each flanking the short side wallsof a television or monitor;

[0037]FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of another vertical positioningelement;

[0038]FIG. 7B shows an overhead view of an embodiment of the base of avertical positioning element;

[0039]FIG. 7C shows an overhead view of another embodiment of the baseof a vertical positioning element.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] A shield—by which ambient light can be largely prevented fromfalling onto or around different sized and positioned screens 21 therebylessening the alteration or degradation of images displayed on it—isdesignated in the accompanying Figures as 31. The screen 21 may be thesurface of a structure, such as a generally fixed wall or a generallymovable device, onto which an image is projected. An example of such ascreen 21 is a conventional projector screen as shown in FIG. 1 (inphantom) onto which images are projected or “thrown” from a slide orcomputer projector(not illustrated). The screen 21 may be also be astructure having a surface through which an image is projected such as atelevision set or computer monitor as shown in FIG. 6B (in phantom). Inorder that the shield 31 may be used with a wide variety of differentsized and positioned screens 21, shield 31 is configurable.

[0041] One preferred embodiment of shield 31 that is particularly usefulwith respect to a generally movable screen 21—such as the oneillustrated in FIG. 1 (in phantom)—is shown in FIG. 1 (from the front),in FIG. 1A (partially from the side), and in FIG. 5 (from the rear). Theillustrated screen 21 is a conventional one typically used to receiveimages projected or thrown such as from a slide or computer projectorand includes flexible screen material 22—supported in part by screensupport 26A and base 26B—and having an upper edge 23A and lower edge 23Band opposing side borders 24A, 24B that define a viewing surface 25.Embodiments of such a conventional screen 21 typically includes a roller(not shown completely) from which the flexible screen material 22 may bedrawn from by the application of pulling pressure such as on a handle(not illustrated) and into which the flexible material 22 may be drawnback when released.

[0042] The shield 31 usable with respect to the generally movable screen21 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 1A, and 5 includes configurable shieldingcomponents 35. The configurable shielding components 35 include ashielding element 41 and a sizable configuring element 61. The shieldingelement 41 will be discussed first.

[0043] Shielding element 41 preferably includes generally pliableshielding material 42 that is generally opaque to light. The pliableshielding material 42 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 1A, 2, 2A, 5, 6A, and 6Bis of a composition and structure such that the material may generallydrape when hung. Such material 42 includes that which is made frompaper, plastic, foil, a blend or layers of paper, plastic, and/or foil,and cloth—including that made from natural fibers or polyesters—andwhich may be coated or layered to decrease the likelihood that any lightcould be transmitted through or reflected off the cloth and/or toprevent the spread of fire. Such material 42 may be generallylightweight and inexpensive—thereby allowing the material to bediscarded after a single or few uses such as after a convention orshow—or of a more heavy weight and durable—thereby allowing the materialto be reused. Pliable shielding material 42 advantageously allows theshield 31 when assembled to be generally adjusted, and therebyconfigured to facilitate the use of the shield adjacent to or in contactwith screens 21 of different sizes and configurations and positions.Pliable shielding material 42 further advantageously allows theshielding material to be adjusted in overall size such that areas ofvarying horizontal depth and vertical height may be shielded, andthereby darkened. A shielded area 201 of appreciable depth relative tothe viewing surface 25 may be necessary in those applications in whichthe ambient light is bright and the flooring or floor covering reflectssome of the light. A shielded area 201 having less depth may benecessary, for example, if those that are viewing the surface 25 are notpositioned directly in front of the surface 25, but possibly at an angleto this perpendicular and an area 201 having great depth may obstructthe view that some have of the surface 25. For example, in thosesituations in which the screen 21is for viewing by the seated public,and the seats are generally perpendicular and in front of the viewingsurface 25, the shielded area 201 may be of a greater depth than if theseats are also positioned to the side of the screen surface 25 in whichcase the pliable screening material 42 may be adjusted to create a sidepanel or panels 51 having less width. A shielded area 201 having lessdepth may be necessary, for example, also if a series ofhorizontally-spaced projectors are being used to throw an image onto theviewing surface 25 and a shielded area 201 of appreciable depth mayprevent some or all of the thrown image from reaching the viewingsurface 25. An additional advantage of pliable shielding material 42 isthat it may be folded, rolled, or compressed into a compact state forease in transporting the material with other shield components 35 andquickly opened in order to assemble the shield 31.

[0044] The sizable configuring element 61 provides additional structureand support to the shielding element 41, and in particular the pliableshielding material42 and allows it, and thereby the shield 31 to bepositioned in a wide variety of configurations as needed in order toblock ambient light from falling onto the viewing surface.

[0045] One preferred embodiment of the sizable configuring element 61includes a sizable horizontal positioning element 71 and sizablevertical positioning elements 81. Preferably, the sizable horizontalpositioning element 71 and the sizable vertical positioning elements 81are of a durable, yet light weight construction such that the elements71, 81 can be easily transported, easily assembled with the othercomponents of the shield and adjusted so that the shield 31 even whenfully assembled can be moved and thereby configured as needed. Anexample of such a preferred embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, and 5.

[0046] FIGS. 3A-F illustrate a preferred embodiment of a sizablehorizontal positioning element 71 usable in the FIGS. 1, 1A, and 5embodiment of the sizable configuring element 61. The illustratedembodiment of the sizable horizontal positioning element 71 permits thepliable shielding material 42, and thereby the shield 31to be configuredin selected positions. This preferred embodiment includes a first lintelelement 72 and a second lintel element 73 each of which is alignablealong a common axis and joinable to form a lintel length 71L. Theillustrated first lintel element 72 has an external surface 72A and thesecond lintel element 73 has an internal surface 73B having dimensionsthat define a core 73C and such that the first lintel element 72 may beslid into and out from the second lintel element 73. The illustratedsizable horizontal positioning element 71 may include an adjustablefastener 75 by which the lintel elements 72, 73 may be releasably fixedrelative to each other in one or more selected positions to form one ormore selected lintel lengths 79. The adjustable fastener 75 illustratedin FIGS. 3A-3C includes a plurality of lintel fastening apertures 76through which one or more clip fasteners 77 may be inserted. Theapertures 76 open completely through each of the lintel elements 72, 73in a coordinatable pattern 76P so that the apertures in one lintelelement can be matched up with the apertures in the other lintel elementsuch that the aperture 76 in one lintel element opens directly onto theaperture 76 in the other lintel element. The clip fastener 77 and theapertures 76 are each of a size and shape such that the clip fastenercan be received in one of the coordinated set 76P of apertures 76 suchthat, with the clip fastener 77 positioned through an aperture 76 in thesecond lintel element 73 and an aperture 76 in the first lintel element72, a horizontal positioning element 71 of a selected lintel length 71Lwith a lintel external surface 71A can be easily configured. Theembodiment of the clip fastener 77 illustrated in FIG. 3B include agenerally straight clip length 77A and a shaped length 77B. The straightclip length 77A preferably being sized and shaped to be received througha coordinated set 78 of apertures 76 such that the lintel elements 72,73 are generally releasably fixed in position and can not slide relativeto each other. Preferably, the shaped length 77B is sized and shaped andof a composition to engage the external surface 73A of the second lintelelement such that the straight clip length 77A may not readily becomedislodged from the apertures 76 through which it is inserted. Such ashaped length 77B is illustrated in FIGS. 3B in which the curve of thelength 77B is similar to the curve of the lintel element surface 73A sothat the length 77B engages the surface 73A thereby preventing thefastener 77 from becoming dislodged from the lintel elements 72, 73.Such a clip fastener 77 may be made from a flexible resilient materialsuch as spring steel or similar material. This preferred embodiment ofthe clip fastener 77 is advantageous in that the fastener 77 as insertedinto the lintel elements 72,73 does not greatly increase the profile orweight of the selected lintel length 79.

[0047]FIGS. 3D, 3E, and 3F illustrate another preferred embodiment of asizable horizontal positioning element 71 having a construction and acomposition such that the pliable shielding material 42, and thereby theshield 31 may be configured in selected positions. This preferredembodiment includes a first lintel element 72 and a second lintelelement 73 each of which is alignable along a common axis. As shown inFIG. 3F, the illustrated first lintel element 72 has an external surface72A and an internal surface 72B, the internal surface having dimensionsthat define a first lintel element core 72C. The second lintel element73 has an external surface 73A and an internal surface 73B havingdimensions that define a core 73C. The cores 72C and 73C of thisembodiment are of generally the same size and shape and threaded. TheFIGS. 3D-3F embodiment of the sizable horizontal positioning element 71includes a threaded horizontal connecting element 78 having a threadedsurface 78A that is dimensioned such that the connecting element 78 maybe inserted into both cores 72C and 73C, and thereby joining elements72, 73 to form a horizontal positioning element 71 having a total length71 L that is variable but as a maximum is slightly less than the totalof the individual lengths 72L, 73L, and 78L of each of the individualelements 72, 73, and 78.In those embodiments of the lintel elements 72,73 that include external surfaces 72A, 73A, respectively, that areconfigured and dimensioned alike, the connecting element 78 as fullyinserted into the lintel elements 72, 73 provides a horizontalpositioning element 71 that has a lintel external surface 71A thatappears uniformly configured and dimensioned. Advantageously, theshielding material 42 held in place by such a horizontal positioningelement 71 may thereby appear to be similarly uniform in this area ofthe image shield 31. A horizontal positioning element 71 that is formedfrom and separable into individual elements 72, 73, 78 is generally easyto pack and transport given the smaller size and lower weight of eachelement 72, 73, and 78. The generally large size of the connectingelement 78—relative to the size of conventional fasteners orconnectors—makes it less likely that this element may be lost during theassembly, disassembly, or transport process.

[0048] The embodiments of the shield 31 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 1A, and5 includes a sizable configuring element 61 having separate sizablevertical positioning elements 81. Each of the elements 81 in theseillustrated embodiments include a shaft 82. While the shaft 82 may be ofgenerally fixed length, the embodiment of the elements 81 illustrated inthe FIGS. 1, 1A, and 5 includes cooperating slidable shaft elements82B-82D that, because of the gradually reduced exterior dimensions ofeach, may telescope out and back relative to each other and the exteriorshaft element 82A such that the overall length 82L of the shaft isvariable. In order to enhance the configurability of the shield 31, thisembodiment of the element 81 includes one or more controls 83—by whichthe position of each of the slidable shaft elements 82B-82D may bereleasably fixed in position relative to the position of each other andthe exterior shaft element 82A and then released for further verticaladjustment or movement such as for disassembly and transport of theshield 31. The embodiment of the separate sizable vertical positioningelements 81 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 1A, and 5 include individualcontrols 83A-83C at the position at which each shaft element 82B-82Dslides out and in relative to each other. To releasably fix the positionof each of the slidable shaft elements 82B-82D relative to the positionof each other and the fixed shaft element 82A and then released forfurther vertical adjustment or movement, the illustrated embodiment ofthe controls 83 include a lock 84. In the illustrated embodiment of theindividual controls 83A-83C, the lock 84 includes a head 84A by which athreaded shaft 84B may be manually turned into and out of an aperture(not shown) extending through the fixed shaft element 82A or from aslidable shaft elements 82B-82C to the slidable shaft element below.Advantageously, such controls 83 allow the extent to which each of thenested slidable elements 82B-82D may be drawn from and held in place asneeded and so that the shield 31 may be easily and rapidly configured.The embodiment of the sizable vertical positioning element 81illustrated in FIG. 7A includes a shaft 82 having a generally fixedshaft element 82A out from and into which a shaft element 82B maytelescope and a control 83 by which the position of the slidable shaftelements 82B may be releasably fixed in position relative to theposition of the fixed shaft element 82A and then released for furthervertical adjustment or movement such as for disassembly and transport ofthe shield 31. The control 83 in the illustrated embodiment may belocked and unlocked by manual turning the control 83. Sizable verticalpositioning elements 81 whose size can be adjusted advantageously allowthe shield to be configured as needed.

[0049] Each of the illustrated embodiments of the sizable verticalpositioning elements 81 that are supported on a floor or other generallyhorizontal surface may include a base 91 to provide added stability tothe elements 81, and thereby the shield 31 and to facilitate furtherconfiguration of the shield 31.The base 91 may be further structured sothat the dimensions of the base 91 and/or the vertical height of each ofthe elements 81, and thereby the shield 31 may be further adjustable.The base 91 may include also means by which the base 91 may be quicklyconnected to and disconnected from the element 81to facilitate quick andeasy assembly the elements 81 and thereby the shield 31.

[0050] The embodiment of the base 91 illustrated in FIG. 1, 1A, and 5 isadjustable in dimension and permits the overall vertical height of anelement 81 to be further adjusted. The illustrated base 91 includes aconnector 92—having a shaft aperture (not shown) sized and shaped andhaving a construction to securely receive the shaft 82A arisingvertically therethrough. This illustrated embodiment of the base 91includes individual base extensions 93 extendable radially from theconnector 92 such that the base extension ends 93A may be generallyequally spaced from each other in order to maximize the stability of theelement 81 and thereby the shield 31. Each of the extensions 93 in theFIGS. 1, 1A, and 5 embodiment is supported from the base 91 by extensionsupports 94 connected to the extensions 93 and to a point approximate tothe lower end 87 of the shaft 82A.To releasably fix the positions of thebase extensions 93 relative to the shaft 82, the illustrated embodimentof the base 91 includes a base control 95. The base control 95 may besimilar to the shaft control 83 discussed above. The control 95illustrated in FIGS. 1, 1A, and 5 includes a head 96 sized and shapedsuch that a threaded connector shaft 96A may be manually turned into andout of an aperture (not shown) extending through the connector 92 and tothe shaft 82A. This embodiment is particularly advantageous because itcan be deployed to adjust the dimensions of the base 91 according to theamount of horizontal space permitted for such deployment and/or requiredaccording to the height or weight of the other shield components carriedby the sizable vertical positioning elements 81.

[0051] Another embodiment of a base 91is illustrated in FIG. 7A andincludes individual base extensions 93 joined or joinable to a connector92 and without extension supports 94 such that the arms extend radiallygenerally from the lower end 87 of the element 81 to further increasethe stability of the element 81, and thereby the shield 31. Theembodiment of the base 91 illustrated in FIG. 7A includes a connector 92to which shaft 82 may be secured—such as by receipt of a threadedfastener 93 into an aperture (not shown) opening onto the shaft 82.

[0052] The base 91 may include elements that further facilitate thestabilization of the base 91 even if the horizontal surface on which itrests is uneven. For example, the FIG. 1, 1A, and 5 embodiment of thebase 91 includes extensions 93 having base extension ends 93A withflexible tip coverings 97 that are intended to facilitate thestabilization of the base 91 even if the horizontal surface on which itrests is slightly uneven.

[0053] Additional embodiments of the base 91 include a single extension93 formed by the extension of the base into a broadened generallycontinuous surface 98 thereby providing added horizontal support for thebase, and thereby added stability to the shield 31. One such embodimentof the base 91 is illustrated in FIG. 7B and includes an extension 93having a generally continuous surface 98 extending equally from a center99 at which the shaft 82 may be joined to the base 91.

[0054] Another embodiment of the base 91 with a generally continuoussurface 98 is illustrated in FIG. 7C structured as broadened arms 98Athat extend radially from the center 99 to provide added horizontalsupport for the base, and thereby added stability to the shield 31. Thebases 91 illustrated in FIGS. 7B and 7C may be connectable to the shaft82 by receipt of one end 87 having threads (not shown) into a threadedaperture 100 (threads not shown) opening at the center 99 of the base91. Such embodiments of the base 91 are advantageous in that they are ofa simplified construction and relatively easy to transport and connectto the shaft 82, and may be of a reduced cost. Such bases 91 may be madefrom a single shaped element formed, for example, from a resilientmaterial such as metal. Another preferred embodiment of the sizableconfiguring element 61 useful to prevent ambient light from falling suchas on a screen 21 that is, for example, positioned adjacent to ormounted on or within a vertical wall is illustrated in FIG. 2B. The FIG.2B embodiment includes a sizable horizontal positioning element 71 andseparate vertical positioning elements 81 that may be supported from agenerally vertical surface—such as a wall or partition.The FIG. 2Bembodiment is shown as including a sizable horizontal positioningelement 71 having a construction as the one shown in FIGS. 3D and 3E butwhich may have a construction such as the one shown in FIGS. 3A-3F. Thevertical positioning elements 81 are of a simplified construction andinclude a shaft 82 that includes a shaped end 89—such as the illustratedthreaded end 89—that is securable to a joining element 111 that connectsthe horizontal positioning element 71 to each of the verticalpositioning elements 81—and a lower end 87—that is securable by avertical end bracket 87B to the vertical supporting surface such as bythe receipt of screws through openings in the bracket and into thevertical surface (not shown). The embodiment includes a shield bracket151—that is securable to the vertical support surface such as by thereceipt of screws or other attachment means such as rivets (not shown)through apertures 153 in the shield bracket 151 and into the verticalsupport surface—by which the rear edge 42B of the pliable shieldingmaterial 42 (not shown in FIG. 2B) may be carried from the verticalsupport surface. The rear edge 42B of the pliable shielding material42—such as that embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A—may be releasablyfixed to the vertical support surface by the capture of the rear edge42B (and parts adjacent thereto) by the shield bracket 151 and/or themeans used to attach the bracket to the vertical support surface.Advantageously, the distance at which the horizontal positioning element71, and therefore the angle at which the vertical positioning elementsare carried from the e vertical supporting surface and the degree toambient light is prevented from falling on a wall mounted or othersupported screen is shielded with the FIG. 2B embodiment is adjustableby distance controls 171. FIG. 2B illustrates a sizable configuringelement 61 having two such distance controls 171 (the illustrated leftone of which is shown summarily but includes the same elements as theillustrated right one.) The distance controls 171 in the FIG. 2Bembodiment include one or more lines 173 connected to the horizontalpositioning element 71 and threaded through pulleys 175. By pulling onor releasing partially or wholly the line or lines 173, the position ofthe sizable configuring elements 61 may be changed. The position of thelines 173 may be releasably fixed by securing the line or lines to aline bracket 177 that may be mounted on the vertical supporting surface.Because the FIG. 2B embodiment does not require a base or bases as dothe other illustrated embodiments, the embodiment is particularly usefulnot only to shield a wall mounted screen 21 but also when floor space islimited or must remain open such as to accommodate the movement ofpeople in and around the area in which the embodiment is used.

[0055] An additional preferred embodiment of the sizable configuringelement 61 is illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B and includes a sizablehorizontal positioning element 71 and vertical positioning elements 81.Each element 81 of this embodiment includes two bases 91 above andbetween which generally non-flexible or flexible material 131 extendsvertically to form a generally vertical wall 135 having opposingvertical edges 137A, 137B. Each base of the FIGS. 6A and 6B embodimentincludes a generally continuous surface 98 structured in this embodimentas arms 98A—that extend generally equal from a center 99 at which theshaft 82 is joined to the base 91—joined by a generally continuous lowerbase surface 98B that extends perpendicular to the horizontal faces 135Bof the wall 135. FIG. 6B illustrates this embodiment as positionableadjacent to a large screen monitor or television (shown in broken lines)in order to shield it. In such embodiment, the sizable horizontalpositioning element 71 includes the upper horizontal edge 135A on whcihthe shielding material 42 may rest. For additional horizontal support,the embodiment may include a lintel length as described above.

[0056] The embodiments of the horizontal positioning elements 71 shownin FIGS. 2B and 3A-3F is joinable to the vertical positioning elements81 shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, 2B, and 7 by joining elements 111. FIGS. 2B, 3Aand 3C-3E show one embodiment of such joining element 111. Thisembodiment of the joining element 111 includes a horizontal receivingaperture 112 sized and shaped such that a lintel end 71E of thehorizontal positioning element 71 may be inserted therein. Simply by acooperating fit of each lintel end 71E of the horizontal positioningelement 71 into the aperture 112, the element 71 may be releasably fixedto the joining element 111. The horizontal positioning element 71 may bereleasably secured to the joining element 111 by the receipt of screws74S—or more permanently fixed by the receipt of rivets 74S—through oneor more apertures 111A in the joining element 111 and into the joiningapertures 74 in the horizontal positioning element 71. The joiningelement 111 includes one or more vertical receiving apertures 115 bywhich a vertical positioning element 81 is releasably securable to thejoining element 111, and thereby to the horizontal positioning element71. The vertical receiving apertures 115 of the joining element 111shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C-3E is sized and shaped to receive the shapedend 89 of the embodiment of the vertical positioning element 81 shownfor example in FIGS. 1, 1A, and 7A. The shaped end 89 may be sized andshaped as shown in FIG. 4 so that the end 89 may be inserted into ajoining element 111 having a lower vertical receiving aperture 115A anda upper vertical receiving aperture 115B (as partially illustrated inFIG. 2B). Such a shaped upper end 89 is shown in FIG. 4 and includes aledge 89A—on which the lower surface 111L of the joining element 111adjacent to aperture 115B may rest after insertion—and a threaded end89B that may be threaded into the upper vertical receiving aperture115B. The joining of element 81 to element 111 may be releasably securedby the receipt of a fastener—such as the wing nut 89N shown in FIG.4—onto the threaded end 89B.

[0057] The shielding element 41 includes position maintenance means 43such that the pliable shielding material 42 may be readily configured bythe sizable configuring element 61 and maintained in position to formthe selected shield 31. The position maintenance means 43 of theembodiment of the shielding element 41 shown in FIG. 2 includesmaintenance elements 44 for configuration of the shielding material 42by the sizable horizontal positioning element 71 and sizable verticalpositioning elements 81 to provide a shield having a structure such asthe one shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, and 5. The position maintenance means 43of the embodiment of the shielding element 41 shown in FIG. 2A includesmaintenance elements 44 for configuration of the shielding material 42by the sizable horizontal positioning element 71 and sizable verticalpositioning elements 81 to provide a shield having a structure such asthe one shown in FIGS. 2B. In the embodiment of the position maintenancemeans 43 illustrated in FIG. 2, the maintenance elements 44 includes achannel 45 formed on a forward edge 42A of the surface 41B of theshielding material 41 having a construction and size and shape to permita sizable horizontal positioning element 71—such as the axially-alignedelements 71 illustrated in FIGS. 3C and 3E—to be easily slid into andout of the opening (not shown) formed within the channel 45.

[0058] The position maintenance means 43 in the embodiments of theshielding element 41 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2A includes one or moreloops 46 aligned along the forward edge 42A of the surface 41B. Theloops 46 are constructed and sized and shaped to receive the end of, andthereby releasably fix the position of the shielding material 42relative to each of the sizable vertical positioning elements 81.

[0059] The position maintenance means 43 may include weighing elements47 by which the pliable shielding material 42 may be maintained in theselected position even if the shield 31 is used in a windy environmentsuch as an outdoor venue. The weighting elements 47 may include densematerial layered on or in the pliable shielding material 41. In theembodiment of the shield 31 illustrated in FIG. 2, the weighing elements47 include pockets 47A on a surface 41B of and aligned toward a rearwardedge 42B of the shielding material 41 in which dense material (notshown) may be inserted as needed and retained within the pocket 47A—suchas with velcro closures or other reusable closure means—or permanentlyfixed. The weighting elements 47 may include a closure 47B by which thepocket 47A may be releasably fixed.

[0060] The position maintenance means 43 may include securing elements48 by which the pliable shielding material 42 may be further held in aposition relative to the viewing surface 25. In the embodiments of theshield 41 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, the securing elements 48 includestraps 49 that are constructed and sized and shaped and spaced to extendbeyond the edges 42A, 42B to hold the pliable shielding material 42 in aposition relative to the movable screen 21. Specifically, the straps 49in the shield embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5 include a longerset of straps 49A, 49B, 49C, and 49D—that may generally extend from arearward edge 42B of the shielding material 41 and looped around eachother and secured by the velcro elements 49E, 49F, 49J, 49H, 49K, and491 or similar releasable strap securing means—and a relatively shorterset of straps 49L, 49M, 49N, and 49P—that may generally extend from aforward edge 42A of the shielding material 21 and looped around thesizable vertical positioning elements 81 and secured by the meansdiscussed above such as velcro elements 48A, 48B.

[0061] The position maintenance means 43 in the embodiment of theshielding material 42 illustrated in FIG. 2A includes securing elements48 by which the rear edge 42B of the pliable shielding material 42 (notshown in FIG. 2B) may be carried from the vertical support surfaceshield bracket 151 and the shielding material 41 is positionablegenerally adjacent to or in contact with the viewing surface 25.

[0062] It will be understood that the embodiments of the presentinvention which have been described are illustrative of some of theapplications of the principles of the present invention. Numerousmodifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departingfrom the true spirit and scope of the invention.

We claim:
 1. A configurable shield for preventing ambient light fromfalling onto, and thereby causing degradation of images displayed on ascreen, said screen including opposing boundaries, said shieldcomprising: a shielding element including pliable shielding materialthat is generally opaque to the ambient light; a sizable configuringelement for providing support and structure to said shielding elementand permitting said shielding element to be variously positioned andconfigured adjacent to the screen boundaries, said sizable configuringelement includes a sizable horizontal positioning element and sizablevertical positioning elements; said sizable horizontal positioningelement includes a first lintel length and a second lintel lengthjoinable to form a lintel length sized and shaped to horizontallysupport and structure said shielding element; said vertical positioningelements include separate shafts joinable to said sizable horizontalpositioning element by receipt of a shaped end of each of said separateshafts within a joining element connected to lintel ends of saidhorizontal positioning element.
 2. The shield according to claim 1,wherein said vertical positioning elements each include a base.
 3. Theshield according to claim 2, wherein said base includes individual baseextensions extendable radially from shaft.